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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-04-03 - Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes 1 0Ol.6 - 4 I MINUTES OF AN AGENDA MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK { VILLAGE OFFICES 90 SOUTH RIDGE STREET.' RYE BROOK, NEW YORK APRIL 3 , 1990 CONVENE MEETING The Meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order by Mayor Cresenzi at 8 : 00 p.m. in the Meeting Room and the Pledge of Allegiance followed. Present were the following members of the Board: i Mayor Salvatore M. Cresenzi Trustee Michele R. Mendicino Trustee Francis L. Filipowski Trustee Robert J. Ravich Trustee Jane Saffir Smith was not in attendance. i Also present were: I , Christopher J. Russo, Village Administrator Edward F. Beane, Village Attorney Rocco V. Circosta, Director of Public Works Joseph Cortese, Treasurer Louise T. Massie, Secretary to the Administrator .L 001G�.a April 3 , 1990 PUBLIC HEARINGS - Proposed 1990-91 Village Budget Mayor Cresenzi declared the Public Hearing on the proposed 1990-91 Village Budget open. A. Library Presentation Mr. Ponterio introduced Mrs. Robin Lettieri, Director of the Port Chester Library, to present a report. Mrs . Lettieri thanked the Mayor, the Board, and the community for their support of the Library. jMrs . Lettieri said that from 1988 to 1989 there has been a significant increase in activity in the Library, 37%, increase in reference, and 12% increase in circulation. This means that over 137 , 000 pieces of library material have been circulated. In 1988 the library reregistered the Patrons, and became competent on Westly, which is an automated system which links the Library to the other thirty-seven libraries in the County. This means that at any point the library has access to millions of books ,in Westchester County. The Children' s Room has also increased their activities by expanding the picture book collection, having multiple story hours, innovative programming, reading clinics, homework clinics, and redesigning the Children' s Room. The Adult Department in the Library is now offering English as a Second Language, investment programs, tax programs, and consumer outreach. In 1990 the library hopes to expand on the public' s demands such as videos, best sellers, large print books, etc. Trustee Mendicino said she had compared the 188-189 budgets and wanted to know why contributions were not anticipated at the same level, and what made the salaries go up $20, 000 if the security services are not included. Mrs. Lettieri. stated that the salary increase were due to the minimum wage going up, and because of increased activity the library has had to increase the part-time help. In response to the question about contributions, Mrs . Lettieri stated that the Treasurer would have to answer that question more thoroughly, but he was not able to attend this meeting. They did receive some large one-time donations last year . It was stated that there are twenty-five ( 25) part-time employees, and that covers a fifty-eight hour operation. A question arose about the $125,000 proposal to improve the parking. Mr. Ponterio said the parking proposal is a facility proposal that is not included in this budget. Trustee Filipowski asked Mr. Ponterio to be more specific. Mrs. Lettieri said that 2 - 001616 Apt:il. 3 , 1990 the space between the Post office and the Libras is antici P y paired as being used for parking, however, this will be studied :for the future. Mr. Pont.erio pointed out that this year' s increase is a great deal less than last year. It is 5%, whish is below the inflation rate. Mr. Ponterio thanked the Board and then requested that the Board give special consideration to the Library' s proposal. B. Comments on the Budget Mayor Cresenzi asked Christopher J. Russo, the Village Administrator, to begin his budget presentation. Mr . Russo then proceeded to highlight the major changes in the budget. Mr. Russo said the Village has added a modified column to the Budget. He used page three as an example, pointing out the third column from the right as the modified column for the current year budget. Mr. Russo said until now the Village has made budget modifications once a year, at the end of the fiscal year. Mainly because the .Village never had the ability to know from month to month when a modification to the budget was needed. Mr . Russo said that the Village is now able to make modifications throughout the year and at the end of the fiscal year. Mr . Russo continued to say that in order to compare the increase in the budget from year to year one must take the fourth column from the right which says 189-190 adopted and compare it to the ' 90- ' 91 proposed budget at the end of the page. Some new programs have been added which have changed the budget. Certioraris and tax grievances have also helped to increase the budget. The tax roll is down almost $700 ,000 , it is actually down further than what is shown in the current budget, because Grievance day took place after the budget had been filed, this will change the budget also. Included on the assessment roll last year were car rental companies at the airport. Their assessment was dropped a little over $605 ,000. It is reflected on this year' s roll, not to mention a payback that the Village had to make of approximately $75, 000 . The special franchise assessments, which are set by the State , have had a significant reduction of $368 , 000 in assessed value. General Food' s three year settlement is in the last year and has reduced their assessed value by about $250, 000 a year :fop three years . The building is about one-third full at the present time and is for sale. The Village receives approximately $130 , 000 in state aid, and that aid could be in jeopardy over the next fiscal year. 3 - 00161 rr April 3„ 1990 Other major items which have affected the budget are the 5 1/2% - 6% increase in police salaries, the Highway Department also has a 5 1/2% - 6% increase, the rent in the Village Office has doubled, the Fire Contract has had a 6 . 5% increase . The Ambulance Corp has increased but the ' 90 - ' 91 budget is predicated upon that same level. Last year the Village changed its health insurance carrier, coverage is now being handled by the Westchester County Municipal Consortium. The rates have gone down significantly, and although the Village has had a 15% increase in the health insurance this year, it is still substantially below what it would have been if the Village had not changed health insurance carriers. r Mr. Russo referred to the Recycling Program, stating that the Village can only afford to collect recyclables every other week. The budget allocation reflected this anticipated service. Another change is that the Village has included an appropriation of $10, 000, which will allow a 25% participation in the Port Chester Youth Bureau. The Village has budgeted for new cable equipment, which was a recommendation based on a presentation made at the March 13 , 1990 meeting by the Cable Commission for new equipment. The Village will be able to broadcast on the government access channel local informational videotapes that deal with the Village. Another item in the budget is future planning and expansion of the Senior Citizen' s Program. A parking lot has been constructed at the Posillipo Center, landscaping will be done, and a major project will be underway to explore renovating and expanding the Center. The last major item is the capitol expenditures. Road resurfacing has beeh increased by $40, 000 , and it is anticipated that this amount will increase it each fiscal year . An analysis and survey of all the Village Roads will, be conducted this Spring. The 1972 Payloader will be replaced, and a dumptruck for the Recreation Department will be purchased by short term borrowing. A $20, 000 appropriation has been allotted to renovate the interior area of the Police Department. Mayor Cresenzi asked for comments from the floor regarding Mr . Russo' s presentation on the budget. Sid Braudy, of 344 Betsy Brown Road, questioned whether the payback resulting from the reduction in assessments were included in the budget? Mr. Russo responded that the payback will not affect the future year' s budget. The $605 , 000 reduction in the assessed value is 4 - 0016'116 ApiJ.i. 3 , 1990 reflected in the proposed budget. The payback is over the 188- 189 and 189- 190 year and it was provided for under "Special Items" in a line called "Judgement and Claims" A contingency is still run in case there is a settlement arises where a payback is clue . There are pending cases now which Mr. Russo does not believe will effect the Village in the next year . The past two years we have run a contingency in the "Judgement and Claims" line, which will be paid back this year." Ken Heller, a resident, said that many people in this community are on restricted incomes, he could see an increase perhaps equal to the CPI increase every year. Be thinks the Village should tighten up on the budget wherever possible, whatever savings, extra money for the summer interns, which may be an amount of $20 -25, 000, and a few other places to bring this down to CPI , and at least prove to the people in this Village that we can work on a really tight budget. Mr. IIeller also voiced his concern about the increase in the rental of the Village offices . He continued to say that there are inconsistencies. He asked that the Village Trustees go back and investigate the contract in relationship to the number of items he gave the Board at past meetings regarding the history of this building. Mr. Heller also said that he thinks the employees should participate in paying for their health insurance. Trustee Mendicino asked Mr. Russo what the percentage equals out to in tax dollars in the increase in the budget? Mr. Russo said it is $5 . 99 per thousand of assessed value. Mayor Cresenzi said that if you take our mandatory increases , our contractual requirements with the Ambulance Corp, the Fire Service, with the Port Chester Library, our Retirement, our medical insurance, our liability insurance for the Village, our contract settlements with the various unions. If. you take all of that, and you were to subtract that number, that mandatory increase from the 8 .7% or 75%, we are talking about a real dollar spending increase of 2 1/2v. We have given the budget a real hard look, we have re-evaluated all of our personnel, we' ve made cuts in areas of personnel. The whole Village governmental structure has been reviewed and that' s where we really are, but once we get out of our mandatory area, we are out approximately at 2 1/2% real dollar increase . Mr. Heller reminded the Hoard of the major gas transmission line from the Hutchinson River Parkway to the City of Rye. it goes along the western side of Lincoln Avenue, thus Mr . Heller feels that if any digging is done along with resurfacing, it should be done very carefully. Mr. Heller went on to say that when this gas line was installed the drainage system on Lincoln Avenue was destroyed. The three 5 - I 00161 : April 3, 1990 catch basins to catch water coming down the hill from Jennifer Lane are not as effective anymore. So if the Village repaves, the pitch or some minor curbing should be reinstalled, thus allowing the water to drain off properly. Mayor Cresenzi responded that if the Village does plan on resurfacing, the Village will first notify all of the utilities well in advance, so any scheduled maintenance can be taken care of before the Village resurfaces . There is money in the budget to finish Lincoln Avenue this year . Mayor Cresenzi asked if there were any other comments from the i floor or the Board. No one responded. f j Mayor Cresenzi asked for a motion to close the Public Hearing and thereafter, on motion by Trustee Ravich, seconded by Trusted Filipowski, with unanimous approval of the Board the Public Hearing section of the meeting was closed. RESOLUTIONS 2 . APPROVING RECREATIONAL FEE SCHEDULE Mayor Cresenzi then asked Mr. Russo to read the Resolution regarding approving the Recreational Fee Schedule: RESOLUTION RECREATIONAL FEE SCHEDULE WHEREAS, the Recreation Commission of the Village of Rye Brook has . reviewed all fees pertaining to Recreational Programs and WHEREAS,- the Commission has made a recommendation to the Village Board of Trustees, now, therefore be it RESOLVED, that the attached Recreational Fee Schedule for the 1990-91 fiscal year be hereby adopted by the Board of Trustees. Mr. Russo said he would like to add a modification to the Recreational Fee Schedule, Mr . Russo said the changes are the present registration fee for Ladies Bowling, which was zero, is now proposed to be is $5 . 00 . Mayor Cresenzi pointed out a typographical error under Recreation Center, it reads as 75 plus 20, it should read 75 or 20 . This indicates that a child can join on a monthly basis, rather than for the season. Mayor Cresenzi asked for a motion and thereafter, on motion by - 6 - 0016 April 3 , 1990 Trustee Mendicino, seconded by Trustee Ravich, the Resolution and the modification were adopted. The Recreation Fee Resolution was carried unanimously. PRESENT FEE PROPOSED FEE PROGRAM 189- 190 190- 191 Jr . Sports $ 8 . 00 $ 15 . 00 Sat. Soccer III $ 8 . 00 $ 15 . 00 Youth Soccer $ 10 .00 . $ 15. 00 r Traveling Soccer $ 30/$40 $ 60 . 00 Recreation Center $ 75 or $20 per month $ 90/$25 i i Indoor Soccer $ 5. 00 0 i Boys Floor Hockey $ 5 . 00 0 Gym Nite Free Free Karate $ 30 per month $ 30 . 00 Youth Bowling $ 3 .75 Registration $ 6 . 00 3 .75 per week 6. 00 per week Ice Skating $100 . 00 $3.00 . 00 Youth Basketball $ 20 . 00 $ 20 . 00 Youth Tennis (Fall) $ 40. 00 1; 45 . 00 Ladies Bowling 0 $ 5 . 00 Mens' Basketball $ 10 . 00 Residents $ 15. 00 Residents $ 20 . 00 Non-Residents $ 25. 00 Non-Resid. Mens' Over 35 $ 30 ..00 $ 45 . 00 Basketball Adult Co-Ed Volleyball Free Free Dog Obedience $ 55. 00 $ 60 . 00 Dance Youth Tennis (Spring) $ 20. 00 $ 40 . 00 Pee Wee Baseball $ 25 . 00 $ 25. 00 Midget Baseball $ 25 . 00 $ 25 . 00 - 7 - 00162-1 April 3 , 1990 PRESENT FEE PROPOSED FEE PROGRAM 189- 190 190- 191 T Baseball $ 25. 00 $ 25 . 00 Girls' Softball $ 5. 00 $ 15 . 00 Spring Girls' Softball New $ 15 . 00 Fall Mens' Softball $375 . 00 per team $400 . 00 per team I Tennis Permit $ 1 . 00 Child Same Daily Weekday $ 3 . 00 Adult Same $ 1 . 00 Child Same " $ 5 .00 Child Same Season $ 8 . 00 Junior $ 12 .00 Intermediate Same $ 35 . 00 Senior Same $ 60 . 00 Family Same $ 10 . 00 Senior Citizen Same 3 . AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF LEGAL FEES Mr. Russo proceeded to read the Resolution: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF LEGAL FEES WHEREAS, the Village Board of Trustees rejected the application for subdivision by Peter Murray for property located on Hawthorne Avenue, and WHEREAS, Mr. Murray subsequently filed an Article 78 proceeding against the Village of Rye Brook, in which we were obligated to defend the Village' s position, now, therefore, be it - a - 00166:,,:. April 3 , 1990 i RESOLVED, that the Village Board hereby authorizes payment of legal expenses associated with the Murray Case to Keane & Beane P.C. of White Plains, New York, and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Village Adminstrator is hereby authorized to make payment in the amount of $11, 977 . 40, and any further payments which may be necessary to defend this case. Mayor Cresenzi asked for a motion and thereafter, on motion by Trustee Ravich, seconded by Trustee Filipowski, the Resolution was adopted unanimously by the Board. I Trustee Ravich asked of any further payments are necessary in order to defend this case, would we have preknowledge of what that was going to be? Mr. Russo responded that the Board would have preknowledge. Mayor Cresenzi asked if there were any comments from the floor? Being none, Mayor Cresenzi went on to the next Agenda item. 4 . ANNUAL ORGANIZATIONAL RESOLUTIONS Mr . Russo read the Resolution on Annual organizational Resolutions. Thereafter, on motion by Trustee Filipowski, seconded by Trustee Ravich, with a unanimous vote of the Board the following Resolution was adopted: ANNUAL ORGANIZATIONAL RESOLUTIONS DECLARATION OF MAYOR AND TRUSTEES RESOLVED, that Salvatore M. Cresenzi of 13 Holly Lane is hereby declared elected to the office of Mayor of the Village of Rye Brook for a two year term of office, and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that Michele R. Mendicino of 9 Phyllis Place, and that Robert J . Ravich of 6 Hunter Drive are hereby declared elected to the office of Trustee of the Village of Rye Brook for a two-year term of office; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that said terms of office are effective on the 2nd day of April, 1990 at 12 : 00 noon. 9 - I 001.62ti April 3,, 1990 APPOINTMENT OF VILLAGE CLERK/ADMINISTRATOR RESOLVED, that Christopher J. Russo of 14 Jennifer Lane is hereby appointed as Village Clerk/Administrator for the Village of Rye Brook for the next ensuing official year. APPOINTMENT OF VILLAGE TREASURER RESOLVED, that Joseph Cortese, of 10 Deer Run, is hereby appointed as Village Treasurer for the Village of Rye Brook for the next ensuing official year . APPOINTMENT OF RECEIVER OF TAXES_ RESOLVED, that Hope Vespia, Receiver of Taxes for the Town of Rye, is hereby appointed as the Receiver of Taxes for the Village of Rye Brook, effective immediately. APPOINTMENT OF ASSESSOR RESOLVED, that Barbara Chase, Assessor for the Town of Rye, is hereby appointed as the Assessor for the Village of Rye Brook for the next ensuing official year, effective immediately. DESIGNATION OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING NIGHT RESOLVED, that the fourth ( 4th) Tuesday of each and every month is hereby designated as the Regular Meeting night of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook; said meetings to commence at 8 : 00 P.M. DESIGNATION OF OFFICIAL NEWSPAPERS RESOLVED, that The Daily Item and The Westmore News are hereby designated as the Official Newspapers of the Village of Rye Brook for the next ensuing official year. DESIGNATION OF DEPOSITORIES RESOLVED, that the Bank of New York ( County Trust Region) , Barclay' s Bank, and National Westminister Bank, are hereby designated as depositories for the Village of Rye Brook for the ensuing official year. DESIGNAJ'ION OF SIGNATORIES RESOLVED, that the Mayor, the Village Administrator and the Village Treasurer are hereby authorized to sign checks on behalf of the Village of Rye Brook for the next ensuing official year ; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that bank transfers from one account to another can be made by telephone by any one of the above-named signatories or by Catherine Spinosa, Bookkeeper, followed by written 3.0 - 001624 April 3 ,,, 1990 confirmation to the bank in accordance with the Village' s Investment Policy. APPOINTMENT. OF REGISTRAR OF VITAL STATISTICS RESOLVED, that Frances C. Nugent, Town Clerk, of the 'Down of Rye, is hereby appointed as the Registrar of Vital Statistics for the Village of Rye Brook for a two-year term of office; commencing on January 1st, 1990 and concluding the 31st day of December, 1991 . Mayor Cresenzi requested a motion and thereafter, on motion by Trustee Filipowski, seconded by Trustee Ravich, the Resolution was adopted unanimously. rAUTHORIZED APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY MAYOR Mayor Cresenzi hereby appointed Trustee Michele Mendicino as Deputy Mayor for the next ensuing official year. 5 . REFERRAL TO PLANNING BOARD OF APPLICATION BY ST. PAULS LUTHERAN CHURCH FOR SUBDIVISION Mr. Russo read the Resolution referring the Application by St. Pauls Evangelical Lutheran Church to the Planning Board. RESOLUTION St. Pauls Evangelical Lutheran Church King Street/Comely Avenue Section 1, Block 8 , Lot 4B Subdivision Application Planning Board Referral WHEREAS, the Village Clerk received an application from Dr. Joseph Gaurisco, applicant for St. Pauls Evangelical Lutheran Church, for a subdivision located at the intersection of King Street and Comely Avenue and also known as Section 1 , Block 8, Lot 4B on the Tax Assessment Maps of the Village of Rye Brook, and WHEREAS, the applicant proposes to subdivide the existing parcel of 3 . 9 acres into four ( 4) .residential building lots and also maintain the existing Church. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that this matter be and it hereby is referred to the Planning Board this 3rd day of April, 1990 for their review and recommendation, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the applicant shall contribute an amount of $3 , 000 into the Village Environmental Impact Fund, which - 11 - 001b2J April :3 , 1990 monies shall be used to pay the costs of the Village of Rye Brook' s Consultants which will be reviewing this project. If additional monies are required the applicant shall contribute such additional expenses and furthermore, if all monies are noL- expended, the balance shall be returned to the applicant . Mayor Cresenzi requested a motion and thereafter, on motion by Trustee Ravich, and seconded by Trustee Filipowski the Resolution was unanimously adopted. Mr. . Heller asked if there was a restrictive covenant on future subdivisions. Mr . Beane, the Village Attorney, said he would check the Resolutions, and when he finds the file he said Mr. Heller is welcome to look at the documents. Trustee Filipowski said that one of the files may be under Church of the Advent, and asked how many times can you. subdivide a small parcel of property? Mr. Beane said once you subdivide, unless there is a specific restriction in any of the subdivisions along the chain it becomes a separate piece of property and if it can be further subdivided the Planning Board and the Village Board at that particular time determine whether or not it should be. Sometimes, as part of a resolution, it will stipulate that there will be no further subdivision. Mayor Cresenzi requested a motion for referral of the Application to the Planning Board, and thereafter, on motion by Trustee Ravich, seconded by Trustee Filipowski, with a unanimous vote of the Board, the Application was referred to the Planning Board. Mayor Cresenzi thereafter closed the Resolution section of the meeting. NEXT ME&TING DATE Mayor Cresenzi set the next meeting date for April 24 , 1990 , when he stated we would have the approval of the March 13, 1.990 and March 27, 1990 Meeting Minutes . The following items will be discussed: 1 . Adoption of the Budget 2 . Declaring May as Mental Health Month ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board Mayor Cresenzi requested a motion to have an Executive Session on personnel litgation following. Thereafter. , on motion duly made by Trustee Mendicino, seconded by Trustee Ravich, it was unanimously resolved by the Board that the meeting be adjourned at 9 : 45 p.m, to be followed by an Executive Session. - 12 - j 001626 April. 3 , 199(r Respectfully submitted , Christopher J. Russo Village Administrator/Clerk 13 -